Finally, IPL franchise RCB is all set to be bought by a consortium of Kumar Mangalam’s Aditya Birla Group, Blackstone, and David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures, as reported by Bloomberg. Contrary to what was predicted earlier, a valuation of USD 2 billion was expected, but then now it seems to be sold at USD 1.8 billion.

RCB sold to Birla Group-backed consortium

The current owners, Diageo had set March 16 as the final day for the interested parties to submit a bidding. The decision seems to have come after the conclusion of strategic review by United Spirits Ltd. Another IPL franchise, RR was sold to Kal Somani-led consortium for USD 1.63 billion. That includes Rob Walton of Walmart as well.

The formal announcement for RCB will take place soon, though. Other parties interested in the purchase of RCB included Ranjan Pai-led Manipal Consortium, and also Swedish Private equity firm EQT. There were also reports that a fourth owner could also be joining the winning consortium.

RCB’s assets includes both men’s and women’s team in IPL and WPL. What perhaps might have contributed to a high valuation is, both the men’s and women’s team’s have won titles. Meanwhile, the Birla Group has only increased its sports visibility. They were the official partners for Team India at the Paris Olympics, and also hold a stake in Virat Kohli’s Wrogn.

Blitzer has stakes in different teams of NBA, EPL, MLB and MLS.

RR transfer of ownership

The RR deal though done, once the IPL 2026 ends. In normal circumstances, the transfer of ownership would have happened in 30 to 45 days, but then, here, the ownership transfer cannot be completed until BCCI approves the sale. And this process cannot happen before October 2026, when the BCCI holds the AGM.